Foreign Minister Penny Wong is spearheading a declaration at the United Nations to codify protections for aid workers, who are being killed in conflicts in record numbers as they dedicate themselves to helping people in war.
More than 380 workers were killed in conflict zones in 2024, the highest on record, with the trend edging towards 2025 becoming even deadlier, according to Aid Worker Security Database statistics.
More than 200 aid workers have been killed in 2025, with Gaza remaining the deadliest place on earth to be a humanitarian worker or journalist.
The text of the non-legally binding declaration has been finalised but details are being kept under wraps ahead of world leaders meeting at the UN General Assembly in New York in September.
Some 50 countries had signed on by the end of August after the text was finalised the same month, AAP has been told.
It "steps out practical actions states can take to demonstrate commitment to protecting humanitarian personnel", a two-page summary document provided to diplomats and obtained by AAP states.
"Signing on does not impose legal or financial obligations. It demonstrates strong political will and enables participation in the group of friends."
The group of friends, open to signatories, will be based in Geneva to help implement the pact and "serve as a critical platform to contribute to practical and tangible policies and practices that support the declaration's aims".
The document states that there are extensive international humanitarian laws but the declaration seeks to address "decreasing adherence to and respect for" them.
"The declaration is a strong statement of political will to protect humanitarian personnel and uphold compliance with international law," it says.
"It aims to translate that political will into practical steps states can take to improve the safety and security of humanitarian personnel.
"The declaration is not legally binding and reflects existing obligations under international humanitarian law."
States can support the declaration by endorsing it, advocating for humanitarian safety and joining the group of friends to discuss further policy, it said.
Countries have until September 17 to sign on, but can join after by notifying the Red Cross.
Humanitarian organisations cannot sign up but public statements are welcomed, the document adds.
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